Are gas lawn mowers being phased out?
Gas walk-behind mowers like the Craftsman 917378340 are not being phased out everywhere at once, but new gas mower sales are trending downward in some areas as more buyers switch to electric and some regions tighten emissions rules. Your mower remains serviceable and supportable with routine maintenance and replacement parts; see the 917378340 owner's manual for operating and upkeep guidance.
What “phased out” usually means (and what it does not)
In most cases, “phased out” refers to new product sales shifting toward battery-electric models, not that existing gas mowers must be retired.
- You can keep using a working gas mower with proper maintenance.
- Parts like belts, wheels, and control cables are still commonly available.
- Some locations may restrict new gas equipment sales, especially for certain engine types.
- Retailers may stock fewer gas models as demand changes.
- Commercial and heavy-duty use cases often keep gas options in the mix longer.
What to do if you plan to keep your 917378340 running
The best way to “future-proof” a gas mower is to stay ahead of wear items and fuel-related problems.
- Follow the seasonal maintenance schedule in the manual.
- Replace the spark plug yearly or about every 100 hours.
- Keep the mower housing and engine area clean to prevent overheating.
- Use fresh fuel and avoid storing gasoline from one season to the next.
- Inspect the drive system if self-propel stops pulling.
Common parts owners replace
| What you notice | Likely area | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Self-propel slips or will not move | Ground drive belt | Lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 32-1/2-in 532175436 |
| Engine stops when you release the bar | Operator presence/zone control | Husqvarna poulan lawn mower zone control cable 532168552 |
| Uneven cut height or wheel wobble | Wheel/height adjust | Lawn mower wheel 532150341 |
Why it matters
If your area shifts toward electric, the biggest impact is usually availability of new gas mowers, not your ability to maintain a proven mower you already own. Staying current on oil, spark plug, cleaning, and drive components helps your Craftsman mower last.
Last updated: January 2026
How to find Craftsman model number?
On the Craftsman walk-behind mower model 917378340, the model number is typically printed on the mower’s identification label on the rear of the deck, near the lower handle mounting area. We use that model number to match the correct parts list and diagrams in the 917378340 owner's manual.
Where to look on the mower
Check these common label locations first:
- Back of the mower deck (rear edge), between the lower handle mounts
- Rear of the deck near the discharge opening (if your deck design places the label there)
- Under the rear flap or near the bagging door area (if equipped)
- On the deck surface near the engine mounting area (less common)
What to write down (and why)
Record the full model number exactly as shown, plus any serial number on the same label.
| What to capture | Example | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 917378340 | Ensures the correct Craftsman parts diagrams and part numbers |
| Serial number | (varies) | Helps confirm production run details when parts changed mid-series |
| Engine model | 143.026200 | Helps match engine-specific parts like recoil starter and carburetor items |
Tips if the label is hard to read
If the sticker is worn, these steps usually make it readable:
- Wipe the area with a damp cloth and mild soap; dry fully
- Use a flashlight at a low angle to highlight faint printing
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in
- Copy the number exactly, including dots or spaces if present
Why it matters
Craftsman walk-behind mowers often share similar decks and handles across multiple models, so using the exact model number (like 917378340) prevents ordering the wrong wheel, drive belt, or control cable.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the most common issues with 917378340?
The most common issues we see on the Craftsman 917378340 walk-behind gas mower involve drive problems (self-propel not pulling), cutting issues (poor cut quality or vibration), and control/starting complaints (cable or handle controls not operating smoothly). Use the owner's manual for model-specific adjustments and safety steps.
Common symptoms and what they usually point to
- Self-propel quits or slips: worn or stretched drive belt, debris under the drive cover, or worn drive gears/pinion.
- Mower won’t move smoothly: wheel wear, missing retaining hardware (E-ring/hairpin), or axle/height adjuster issues.
- Vibration or uneven cut: damaged blade adapter, loose fasteners, or bent/worn hardware around the blade mount.
- Drive control feels loose or won’t engage: stretched or damaged zone control cable or linkage.
- Height won’t stay set: worn height adjuster knob or loose hardware.
Parts on this model that commonly fix these problems
If your symptoms match, these model-listed parts are frequent solutions:
- Lawn mower ground drive belt, 3/8 x 32-1/2-in 532175436 for slipping or no-drive conditions
- Drive cover 532437165 if the drive area is damaged or missing shielding
- Lawn mower drive pinion gear 532137054 and gear 532137050 for drive engagement or clicking/grinding
- Husqvarna poulan lawn mower zone control cable 532168552 for control lever/cable issues
- Lawn mower blade adapter 581547901 for blade wobble or vibration at the crank/blade mount
Quick checks we recommend before ordering parts
- Tip the mower safely (spark plug wire disconnected) and clear packed grass from the deck and drive area.
- Inspect the drive belt for glazing, cracking, or slack.
- Check wheels and axle hardware for looseness; verify clips and E-rings are present.
- Confirm the control cable moves the mechanism fully when you squeeze the bail.
- Tighten visible fasteners; replace stripped screws, washers, or lock nuts as needed.
Symptom-to-part guide
| Symptom | Most likely area | Example part from this model |
|---|---|---|
| Self-propel won’t pull | Belt/drive | 532175436 drive belt |
| Clicking or no engagement | Gears | 532137054 pinion gear |
| Blade vibration | Blade mount | 581547901 blade adapter |
| Control won’t engage | Cable | 532168552 zone control cable |
Why it matters
Drive and blade-mount issues can quickly lead to extra wear on gears, wheels, and engine components. Fixing the root cause early helps your Craftsman mower cut evenly and move safely.
Last updated: March 2026





